CBD FAQ: You got questions? We got answers!

Jan 08, 2020

The world is becoming so fast-paced that it gets more and more challenging to keep up with all current trends. Some trends make it to the popular section of news digests overnight and die out just as fast once the audience is no longer interested. Other trends take more time to become well-known and end up actually sticking around in conversations until they become a part of our reality. The latter is precisely the case of the CBD trend. While it took some time to get recognition and spark people's curiosity, nowadays it is literally everywhere: in drugstores, in supermarkets, in SPA centers, cafes and even in yoga studios. CBD advocates go as far as calling CBD infused products the new panacea of the 21st century because the uses of these products are endless.

If you are one of those people that live under a rock and still doesn't have any idea of what CBD is, we don't blame you - the information flow is indeed overwhelming. However, it's time to educate yourself on this subject, because judging by the state of things, CBD trend is not going anywhere.

We got your back and in this article will try to summarise the most commonly asked questions. Treat it as your CBD FAQ guide for newbies.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as hemp, is an aromatic plant from the Cannabaceae family cultivated on an industrial scale for its fiber or edible parts. It has hollow stalks (except for the tip and base), palm-like leaves, and tiny, greenish-yellow flowers. Seed-producing flowers form long and spike-looking groups and grow on the pistillate (female) hemp. Flowers that produce pollen, form groups of many branches on staminate (male) hemp.

What are CBD and CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the more than 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, and found in hemp. CBD is known for its healthy properties. The hemp flowers have the highest concentration of CBD.

How does CBD work?

People have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is responsible for the homeostasis of the body. ECS key elements are endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and metabolic enzymes. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that send messages through your body to keep balance. The receptors which react with CBD molecules are called CB1.

CB1 receptors are concentrated in the brain and are involved in vital processes such as memory, cognition, motor skills, as well as the nervous system, liver, uterus and thyroid functions. CBD encourages the body to produce more endocannabinoids to reduce anxiety, nervousness, and pain. CBD helps to overcome anxiety, stress, and depression which can cause sleep disorders and consequently lead to insomnia, daytime drowsiness, parasomnia, nightmares, and so on.

Does CBD oil get you high?

CBD oil comes from hemp, and therefore contains a low concentration of THC. It's unlikely to cause psychoactive sensations, the so-called "high" effect. However, CBD products may show up in a drug test due to THC traces.

CBD Oil or Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil come from the different parts of the same plant:

CBD Oil or Hemp Oil is made from the whole plant, including its flowers and stalks. The extraction methods with the use of solvents (CO2 or ethanol) are the safest ways to use non-toxic chemicals. During the extraction, the valuable parts of hemp are turned into pellets and then exposed to solvents.

Hemp Seed Oil is made only from the seeds by cold pressing. Producers use the same method to create any carrier oil, such as sunflower seed oil.

Both oils have different yet beneficial effects on humans. Due to high CBD concentration, CBD Oil can activate the endocannabinoid system receptors, and therefore, can be used as a wellness supplement. Hemp Seed Oil doesn't contain any cannabinoids but has a high level of various useful substances such as omega-3, -6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and protein. Hemp oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and even paints.

Is CBD natural and/or suitable for vegans?

Yes and Yes: CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring compound that comes directly from the cannabis plant. It is also suitable for vegans.

How to differentiate hemp CBD oil and hemp seed oil?

To choose a product and not to get confused, you should check the product label. The hemp seed oil will be indicated as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil or Hempseed Oil on the label. CBD will be labeled as cannabidiol, full-spectrum hemp, hemp oil, PCR hemp extracts, or PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich).

What are CBD oil benefits?

CBD oil is used for the treatment of the following conditions:

chronic pain

epileptic seizures and convulsions

inflammation, including the one after exercises

sleep disorders

anxiety and stress

Parkinson's Disease

cancer-related side effects

What are CBD oil side effects?

No cases of toxicity or overdosage caused by consumption of hemp-based CBD oil have been reported so far. Usually, CBD is well tolerated by humans, which is proven by the World Health Organization. Keep in mind that CBD's effect on humans differs from person to person, and mild side effects are rare but possible. The most common side effects caused by CBD oil consumption may include:

dryness of mouth

drowsiness

low blood pressure

dizziness

diarrhea

appetite changes

What is the right dose of CBD consumption?

Some studies prove that the human test demonstrates a tolerance of CBD doses up to 1500 mg of CBD. High CBD doses might cause severe drowsiness, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, liver damage, lethargy, and other disturbing effects. However, even such a high dosage is unlikely to be lethal.

What forms does CBD come in?

Nowadays, CBD products are widely used as a safe and natural method to improve health. The health market offers different CBD-infused items. These products come in various forms: syrups, tinctures, oils, vapes, gummies, and even chocolate. It is up to you to choose what type of consumption works best for you and your needs.

Is CBD legal?

According to EU regulations, it is allowed to grow industrial hemp legally if it contains less than 0.2% of THC. Cultivated hemp plants and all manufactured CBD-infused items must get approval before being used or put on the market. If the product meets a very particular and strict set of standards, the product is considered legal for selling and purchasing.